Consumer Complaints: Discover sent me a credit card I didn't ask for
Filed under: Cards, Consumer Complaints
Today in the mail, I received a new credit card from Discover. But the question is why. I didn't open a new account. My card hadn't expired. I didn't get a new account number. I hadn't lost the card. I didn't request a second card. There was no documentation with the card other than the standard "here's your card" notice and the sticker on the front of the card saying it must be activated by calling from your home phone. Except I already have a card with the exact same numbers on the front and the back that's already activated. No activation needed for this card I received today... the card number is already up and running.
Each time a credit card company sends out a credit card, isn't there a certain amount of risk that goes along with it? The envelope could get lost and the card could end up in the wrong hands. The card could be stolen by someone who's a part of the mailing process. At the very least, someone could get the numbers off the card and try to use them online.
And since that account number and the associated code on the back of the card are already activated, the person who gets their hands on that card doesn't need to call from my home phone. They could run right out and use it immediately.
So please, Discover and other credit card companies, stop putting consumers at even more risk of identity theft. I know you probably want to remind me that I haven't used my card in a while. But can't you find another way to remind me, other than sending out another card which exposes my account details and gives someone an opportunity to use my account without my authorization?
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Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-27-2008 @ 7:38PM
George said...
Send that unwanted card my way I know how to use it.....LOL
Reply
5-27-2008 @ 11:04PM
Tracy Coenen said...
Too bad it went straight into the shredder!
5-27-2008 @ 7:40PM
George said...
Tracy.......Send it ASAP !
Reply
5-28-2008 @ 9:08PM
T-Spizzy said...
I've got more than one of these from Discover. My guess is that you'll see it and start spending money.
Reply
6-03-2008 @ 10:07PM
MIKE said...
TRACY: I also received a replacement card from Discover but I did and you did not notice the last four digits were different. This is standard procedure after a few years just in case someone has your number. I called to verify and asked why?
Since they are different numbers you MUST call from the phone they have on record or will not be activated.
Personal questions are asked to insure you are the owner of said card. Give some credit to this people they are not dumb enough to put themselves at risk for illegitimate use they will be responsible for, there is always a reason they do things, just call them and ask. Your old card will not be accepted after a while if you dispose of the new one without calling them, I was told.
Reply
6-03-2008 @ 10:09PM
Tracy Coenen said...
Mike - As I stated in the article, the number on this new card was exactly the same as the old one. Same numbers on both the front and the back. And I haven't even had this account for a few years. I've only had it for about six months.
6-06-2008 @ 1:29PM
Muriel Swihura said...
this is the first time I`ve been to this site...I find it all very interesting, but the type is so small, but what is evenmore aggravating, is the light print on all the articles...... of course, it`s not your fault that I`m an old lady with lots of problems......reading very small and very light print being one of them....and also that this comment has nothing to do with the credit card complaint but I didn`t know where else to voice my comment.............plz get back to me......................tks
Reply
6-23-2008 @ 12:58PM
jannie said...
Dollar rental is a rip off also. I rented a car for 2 days not knowing how long it would take to get my car fixed. I was told they would have to let a certain guy look at it because the mechanics couldn't fix it but the guy wouldn't be there until later in the week. I realized I would have to keep the car longer. I went back to extend my car rental for 2 more days and they charged me a early return fee of $15.00. Even though I wasn't returning the car. When I returned the car after 8 days, without noticing, because I didn't get my copy until she had ran my card, that I had a late return fee for 5 days which was $54.00. I was never late or early. I had the car 8 days in a row. I also had to have my car taken from Pep Boys to the Chrysler dealership and all was wrong was the battery.
Reply